Fish and Wildlife

Intro Panel

In Michigan, two animals are tested for PFAS: fish and deer. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) partners with Michigan Department of National Resources (DNR) to evaluate the potential for wild game, including waterfowl such as ducks, sampling. Collection of waterfowl requires careful consideration of the species and migration patterns to ensure the sampling would result in information beneficial for hunters. Michigan will be discussing the species present in the area and their migration patterns to determine next steps.

PFAS in Deer

PFAS in Deer

As part of Michigan’s efforts to identify PFAS in Michigan, deer were tested from areas known to have PFAS contamination in lakes or rivers. In October of 2018, MDHHS and DNR issued a ‘Do Not Eat’ advisory for deer taken within five miles of Clark’s Marsh in Oscoda Township. The advisory is due to high levels of PFAS chemicals found in deer taken within five miles of the Marsh.

PFAS in Fish

PFAS in Fish

MDHHS releases Eat Safe Fish Guides annually in the Spring, and emergency advisories as needed. Fish across the state are tested for PFAS in addition to other chemicals such as mercury, as all fish have some amount of mercury. As new guidelines are set as a result of elevated levels of PFOS, Michigan is releasing those advisories outside of the annual Eat Safe Fish Guides update.